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Background/purpose: Quantitative in vitro research was conducted on the learning process of a dynamic navigation system. This study provides guidance for the promotion and application of dynamic navigation technology in the endodontic apical surgery field. Materials and methods: Standardized models were designed and 3D printed to form the approach operation of endodontic apical surgery. 6 clinicians with no experience in dynamic navigation performed the operation. The distance deviation tolerance was set as 0.6 mm, and the angle deviation tolerance was set as 5°. Fifteen mm deep approach operation was completed using dynamic navigation. Each operator performed 10 consecutive exercises on the models. The positioning deviation and operation time of each operator for each practice were recorded. Based on this, the learning curve of the dynamic navigation of every operator was mapped. The learning difficulty of dynamic navigation was evaluated. Results: The learning curves of all operators reached a stable level after the 7th practice, which can ensure that the distance and angle deviations are maintained within the deviation tolerances (0.6 mm, 5°). Conclusion: Operators with no experience in dynamic navigation technology need practice to master dynamic navigation operations. For this navigation system, operators with no operational experience can master dynamic navigation operations after 7 exercises.

Phthalate esters (PE), a significant class of organic compounds used in industry, can contaminate humans and animals by entering water and food chains. Recent studies demonstrate the influence of PE on the development and progression of heart diseases, particularly in obese people. Di-isobutyl phthalate (DIBP) was administered orally to normal and diet-induced obese mice in this research to assess cardiovascular risk. The modifications in the microbial composition and metabolites were examined using RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry analysis. Based on the findings, lean group rodents were less susceptible to DIBP exposure than fat mice because of their cardiovascular systems. Histopathology examinations of mice fed a high-fat diet revealed lesions and plagues that suggested a cardiovascular risk. In the chronic DIBP microbial remodeling metagenomics Faecalibaculum rodentium was the predominant genera in obese mice. According to metabolomics data, arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism changes caused by DIBP were linked to unfavorable cardiovascular events. Our research offers new understandings of the cardiovascular damage caused by DIBP exposure in obese people and raises the possibility that arachidonic acid metabolism could be used as a regulator of the gut microbiota to avert related diseases.

Src homology-2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP2) is a promising therapeutic target for cancer therapy. In this work, we presented the structure-guided design of 5,6-fused bicyclic allosteric SHP2 inhibitors, leading to the identification of pyrazolopyrazine-based TK-642 as a highly potent, selective, orally bioavailable allosteric SHP2 inhibitor (SHP2WT IC50 = 2.7 nmol/L) with favorable pharmacokinetic profiles (F = 42.5%; t1/2 = 2.47 h). Both dual inhibition biochemical assay and docking analysis indicated that TK-642 likely bound to the “tunnel” allosteric site of SHP2. TK-642 could effectively suppress cell proliferation (KYSE-520 cells IC50 = 5.73 μmol/L) and induce apoptosis in esophageal cancer cells by targeting the SHP2-mediated AKT and ERK signaling pathways. Additionally, oral administration of TK-642 also demonstrated effective anti-tumor effects in the KYSE-520 xenograft mouse model, with a T/C value of 83.69%. Collectively, TK-642 may warrant further investigation as a promising lead compound for the treatment of esophageal cancer.

Background: Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy presents a significant health risk in women of reproductive age and their offspring due to severe neurological complications. It is meaningful to assess its global burden and temporal trends. Methods: This study extracted annual incidence cases and rates of ZIKV among women of reproductive age (15–49 years) between 2011 and 2021 from Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) 2021, including global level, 21 GBD regions, 5 socio-demographic index (SDI) regions, 7 age groups, and 204 countries and territories. Relative percent change in cases and estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) of incidence rates were used to quantify the temporal trends. Results: The incidence rate of ZIKV infection exhibited a pronounced peak in 2016 at 174.27 per 100,000 population, with an EAPC of 158.30 % from 2011 to 2016 and −51.86 % from 2016 to 2021 at 3.06 per 100,000 population. And only 5 out of the 21 GBD regions reported ZIKV infection in 2021, predominantly concentrated in Latin America and Caribbean. The outbreaks were primarily concentrated in low-middle and middle SDI regions. In 2021, at the global level, the incidence rates of ZIKV infection among women of reproductive age were similar across different age groups, ranging from 2.41 to 3.39 per 100,000 population. The proportion of ZIKV infection cases was slightly higher in women aged 25–29 and 30–34 years compared to other age groups in 2021, whereas a higher proportion of cases were observed in younger age groups in 2011 and 2016. Conclusions: Women of reproductive age in Latin America and Caribbean continue to face the threat of ZIKV. Regions with lower SDI had a disproportionately severe burden. Future public health strategies should focus on high-risk areas and populations of reproductive age, enhancing surveillance, prevention, and education efforts to further mitigate the public health threat posed by ZIKV.

Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide. If left untreated, MASLD can progress from simple hepatic steatosis to metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis, which is characterized by inflammation and fibrosis. Current treatment options for MASLD remain limited, leaving substantial unmet medical needs for innovative therapeutic approaches. Here, we show that PLIN2, a lipid droplet protein inhibiting hepatic lipolysis, serves as a promising therapeutic target for MASLD. Hepatic PLIN2 levels were markedly elevated in multiple MASLD mouse models induced by diverse nutritional and genetic factors. The liver-specific deletion of Plin2 exhibited significant anti-MASLD effects in these models. To translate this discovery into a therapeutic application, we developed a GalNAc-siRNA conjugate with enhanced stabilization chemistry and validated its potent and sustained efficacy in suppressing Plin2 expression in mouse livers. This siRNA therapeutic, named GalNAc-siPlin2, was shown to be biosafe in mice. Treatment with GalNAc-siPlin2 for 6–8 weeks led to a decrease in hepatic triglyceride levels by approximately 60% in high-fat diet– and obesity-induced MASLD mouse models, accompanied with increased hepatic secretion of VLDL-triglyceride and enhanced thermogenesis in brown adipose tissues. Eight-week treatment with GalNAc-siPlin2 significantly improved hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in high-fat/high fructose–induced metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis models compared to control group. As a proof of concept, we developed a GalNAc-siRNA therapeutic targeting human PLIN2, which effectively suppressed hepatic PLIN2 expression and ameliorated MASLD in humanized PLIN2 knockin mice. Together, our results highlight the potential of GalNAc-siPLIN2 as a candidate MASLD therapeutic for clinical trials.

Objective: To evaluate the role of autologous adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) with exogenous neuropeptide Y (NPY) on osteoporotic fracture healing. Methods: We established a fracture healing model in ovariectomized rats of osteoporosis. Autologous ADSCs, isolated from rats' subcutaneous adipose tissue, with exogenous NPY were transplanted into the fracture site four times a week. The fracture healing was observiked with X-ray diagnostic techniques, and the rats’ tibias were taken out for section-staining and micro-CT scanning 3 and 6 weeks after fracture. Next, we explored the underlying mechanism by which the transplantation contributed to fracture healing. Results: Co-culture and co-transplantation of ADSCs with NPY could stimulate the osteoporotic fracture healing. NPY may promote the osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs through Y1 receptor. Conclusion: This result provides a platform for the development of novel therapies for bone regeneration with endogenous ADSCs.

The present study aims to investigate the unknown relationship between inhibitory control and repetitive subconcussion induced by the indirect brain impacts. We enrolled 28 parachuters exposed to repetitive subconcussion (SC) and 27 matched health controls (HC). Parachuters who have completed at least 70 actual parachuting (71–112 times) and at least 1500 simulated platform jumps (1500–4500 times) were included in the SC group. The SC group had a reduced accuracy rate in both the Stroop congruent and incongruent conditions. Larger N2 and N450 amplitudes were elicited in the frontal regions of the SC group, which indicate compensatory adaptations to the deficit in conflict monitoring. The reduced frontal resting-state EEG complexity in full-band (1–40 Hz) may demonstrate the frontal structural damage following the indirect brain impacts of repetitive subconcussion. Pearson correlation analysis showed that in the SC group, the frontal beta-band sample entropy values are positively correlated with the accuracy rate of the Stroop incongruent condition, suggesting the frontal beta-band sample entropy values may serve as potential electrophysiological markers of impaired inhibitory control after indirectly repetitive brain impacts. This study provides the robust evidence that repetitive subconcussion resulting from indirect brain impacts may lead to impairment of inhibitory control.

Regarding the issue of low granulation qualification rates during the granulation coating of red clover seeds, this study theoretically analyzed the force conditions of seeds and powder particles under the action of liquid to obtain the main factors affecting seed coating quality. During the seed granulation coating process, an intermittent powder supply method combined with continuous liquid supply was utilized to control the ratio of powder to liquid. Using the granulation qualification rate as the evaluation index, single-factor experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of coating pan fill ratio, single powder supply amount, powder supply interval, and liquid supply amount on the quality of red clover seed granulation coating. Based on the results of the single-factor experiments, orthogonal experiments were conducted, revealing that the interaction of factors would influence the experimental results. To further optimize the quality of seed granulation coating, the mechanisms of powder and liquid in the adhesion process on granulation coating were explored. Orthogonal experiments were conducted on the process parameters of the granulation coating machine, and the GA-BP model was employed for optimization and solution. The optimal process parameter combination obtained was a coating pan fill ratio of 33.78 %, a single powder supply amount of 5.17 g, a powder supply interval of 7.7 s, and a liquid supply amount of 0.42 mL/s. Under this optimal parameter combination, granulation coating experiments with red clover seeds were performed, and the seed granulation coating quality was relatively high, with a granulation qualification rate of 97.7 %. The research results can provide a reference for optimization experiments on coating irregular seeds.

Salt marshes are pivotal in the global carbon cycle, serving as significant contributors to the blue carbon sink. Accurately estimating carbon stock in salt marshes relies on precise vegetation classification. Here, we developed the Salt Marsh Vegetation Classification Network (SVCN), a deep learning algorithm designed to classify three primary vegetation canopies (S. alterniflora, P. australis, and S. mariqueter) spanning from 2016 to 2023 over the Yangtze River estuary, China. The SVCN was initially trained using 412 vegetation samples and Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data in 2018. Additionally, we trained three traditional machine learning models – Classification and Regression Trees, Random Forests, and K-Nearest Neighbors – to facilitate a comparative analysis of model performance. Leveraging the classified vegetation outcomes, we conducted salt marsh carbon stock estimations using the InVEST model. The results showed that the SVCN model outperformed the other three models, achieving an overall accuracy of 0.97. Salt marsh carbon stocks in the Yangtze River estuary exhibited an overall increasing trend from 2016 to 2023, with an average annual increase of 3.13 ×103Mg⋅year−1. However, there was a notable decrease of 10.36% in 2017, primarily attributed to reductions in the area covered by S. alterniflora and P. australis, which decreased by 11.18% and 10.11%, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of deep learning models and the incorporation of salt marshes in carbon stock estimates to enhance accuracy.

Obesity has shown a global epidemic trend. The high-lipid state caused by obesity can maintain the heart in a prolonged low-grade inflammatory state and cause ventricular remodeling, leading to a series of pathologies, such as hypertrophy, fibrosis, and apoptosis, which eventually develop into obese cardiomyopathy. Therefore, prolonged low-grade inflammation plays a crucial role in the progression of obese cardiomyopathy, making inflammation regulation an essential strategy for treating this disease. Cyy-272, an indazole derivative, is an anti-inflammatory compound independently synthesized by our laboratory. Our previous studies revealed that Cyy-272 can exert anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the phosphorylation and activation of C-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), thereby alleviating lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI). The current study aimed to evaluate the potential of Cyy-272 to mitigate the occurrence and progression of obese cardiomyopathy through the inhibition of the JNK signaling pathway. Our results indicate that the compound Cyy-272 has encouraging therapeutic effects on obesity-induced cardiac injury. It significantly inhibits inflammation in cardiomyocytes and heart tissues induced by high lipid concentrations, further alleviating the resulting hypertrophy, fibrosis, and apoptosis. Mechanistically, the protective effect of Cyy-272 on obese cardiomyopathy can be attributed to its direct inhibition of JNK protein phosphorylation. In conclusion, we identified a novel compound, Cyy-272, capable of alleviating obese cardiomyopathy and confirmed that its effect is achieved through direct inhibition of JNK.

Cxcr4a is involved in multiple organ development including coronary vasculature formation and heart left-right (LR) patterning, whether it is involved in heart progenitor determination and cardiac rhythm regulation is not addressed. Here we showed that in cxcr4a mutants, from 2 days post fertilization (dpf) to 4dpf the embryos transiently displayed pericardial edema and increased cardiac rhythm. While from 5dpf, the heart phenotype disappeared. Detailed analysis demonstrated that, at 36hpf and 48hpf, even though there was no distinct difference in the heart size between cxcr4a mutants and controls, the expression of myl7 was decreased. Further data showed that, the heart progenitors were decreased at 18SS(Somite Stage). Mechanically, RNA-seq, RT-qPCR and in situ experiments showed that the retinoic acid (RA) signaling was upregulated, and the up-regulation of RA signaling may mediate the role of cxcr4a in regulating heart progenitor development. In addition, we also identified that low dose of RA treatment accelerated the cardiac rhythm, being similar to that in cxcr4a mutants. Decreasing RA signaling partially restored the rapid cardiac rhythm in cxcr4a mutants, implying the possibility that RA signaling partially mediates the role of cxcr4a in regulating cardiac rhythm. In conclusion, our study identified cxcr4a simultaneously regulates heart progenitor determination and cardiac rhythm.

Background: The limited understanding of the physiology and psychology of polar expedition explorers has prompted concern over the potential cognitive impairments caused by exposure to extreme environmental conditions. Prior research has demonstrated that such stressors can negatively impact cognitive function, sleep quality, and behavioral outcomes. Nevertheless, the impact of the polar environment on neuronal activity remains largely unknown. Methods: In this study, we aimed to investigate spatiotemporal alterations in brain oscillations of 13 individuals (age range: 22–48 years) who participated in an Arctic expedition. We utilized electroencephalography (EEG) to record cortical activity before and during the Arctic journey, and employed standardized low resolution brain electromagnetic tomography to localize changes in alpha, beta, theta, and gamma activity. Results: Our results reveal a significant increase in the power of theta oscillations in specific regions of the Arctic, which differed significantly from pre-expedition measurements. Furthermore, microstate analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in the duration of microstates (MS) D and alterations in the local synchrony of the frontoparietal network. Conclusion: Overall, these findings provide novel insights into the neural mechanisms underlying adaptation to extreme environments. These findings have implications for understanding the cognitive consequences of polar exploration and may inform strategies to mitigate potential neurological risks associated with such endeavors. Further research is warranted to elucidate the long-term effects of Arctic exposure on brain function.

Aim: To investigate the characteristics of 4 Chinese patients with Bartter syndrome type 3 (BS Type 3). Methods: The clinical data, genetic analysis, and outcome of four cases with Bartter syndrome type 3 were retrospectively summarised. Results: Gene sequencing analysis showed that all children carried a compound heterozygous mutation in the CLCNKB gene and were diagnosed with BS type 3. All types of mutations were detected, including two missense mutations, one nonsense mutation, one small fragment deletion mutation, two large deletion mutations and one splice-site mutation. The splice-site mutation c.100 + 1 (IVS2) C > T was novel. Two cases carried large deletion mutations. The patients presented as classic BS with modest manifestations. The most common sign was growth retardation. There was no polyhydramnios or preterm delivery. All cases were treated with potassium chloride supplementation and indomethacin. During long-term follow-up, clinical symptoms and growth retardation improved significantly. Nephrocalcinosis or renal dysfunction was not observed. Conclusion: The clinical manifestations of BS type 3 are mostly presented as cBS. Growth retardation is a common sign. BS type 3 had a good long-term prognosis. There were various types of mutations in the CLCNKB gene. Large deletions were the most common.

ABSTRACT: Objectives: To evaluate the susceptibility of globally pneumonia-causing meropenem-resistant (MEM-R) Acinetobacter baumannii isolates against important antibiotics and estimate appropriate dosages of indicated antibiotics. Methods: We extracted the 2014–2021 Antimicrobial Testing of Leadership Surveillance database regarding the susceptibility of MEM-R A. baumannii isolates causing pneumonia against important antibiotics. The susceptibility and carbapenemase-encoding gene (CPEG) data of pneumonia-causing MEM-R A. baumannii isolates from patients hospitalized in intensive care units of five major regions were analyzed. The susceptibility breakpoints (SBP) recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) in 2022, other necessary criteria [SBP of MIC for colistin, 2 mg/L, in the CLSI 2018; and cefoperazone-sulbactam (CFP-SUL), 16 mg/L], and the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data of indicated antibiotics were employed. Results: Applying the aforementioned criteria, we observed the susceptible rates of colistin, minocycline, and CFP-SUL against the pneumonia-causing MEM-R A. baumannii isolates globally (n = 2905) were 93.2%, 69.1%, and 26.3%, respectively. Minocycline was significantly more active in vitro (MIC ≤4 mg/L) against the pneumonia-causing MEM-R A. baumannii isolates collected from North and South America compared to those from other regions (>90% vs. 58–72%). Additionally, blaOXA-23 and blaOXA-72 were the predominant CPEG in pneumonia-causing MEM-R A. baumannii isolates. Conclusions: After deliberative estimations, dosages of 200 mg minocycline intravenously every 12 h (SBP, 8 mg/L), 100 mg tigecycline intravenously every 12 h (SBP, 1 mg/L), and 160 mg nebulized colistin methanesulphonate every 8 h (SBP, 2 mg/L) are needed for the effective treatment of pneumonia-causing MEM-R A. baumannii isolates.

Egg quality traits are economically important in the poultry industry. To explore the genetic architecture and identify potential candidate genes, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed for 13 egg quality traits using data from whole-genome sequencing of 299 Longyan Shan-ma female ducks, including 12 quantitative traits and one qualitative trait, eggshell color (ESC; white, light green, green). From estimation of pedigree genetic parameters, heritability (h2) ranged from 0.022 to 0.996 for the 12 quantitative traits, with the highest h2 (0.996) for eggshell color a* value (ESCA) and the lowest h2 (0.022) for egg yolk percentage relative to EW. A total of 8,874 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based significant associations (1.0 × 10−6) and 247 insertion-deletion (indel)-based significant associations (1.00 × 10−5) were identified, including 5,980 SNPs and 159 indel markers. From 5,924 SNPs and 143 indels associated with ESC traits, 181 potential candidate genes were identified, and most significant SNPs and indels (P < 1.0 × 10−20) were located at 1.86 Mb (44.29−46.15 Mb) on chromosome 4. The top SNP (chr4:45325309:C>A; P = 7.97 × 10−43) and the top indel (chr4:45299595:delTTCCACTCCAC; P = 4.20 × 10−36) for the ESC a* value were within two known ESC candidate genes; ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2) and protein kinase cGMP-dependent 2 (PRKG2). Of 56 SNPs and 16 indels associated with other egg quality traits, 46 potential candidate genes were identified including synapse differentiation-inducing 1-like (SYNDIG1L) for EW, and core histone macro-H2A.1 (LOC101795967) and neurogenin 1 (NEUROG1) for egg shape index; and four genes including collagen type VI alpha 3 chain (COL6A3), lysine demethylase 7A (KDM7A), LOC101802169, and sperm-associated antigen 16 (SPAG16) for egg yolk weight and the percentage of yolk to total egg weight. Of the 46 genes, the molecular functions of 22 are related to protein binding, indicating important roles in the formation of egg quality traits. Our findings provide new insight into the genetic basis of egg quality traits in ducks.

The reduced early-age properties of cementitious materials substituted recycled concrete slurry waste (RCSW) hinder its utilisation, which can be further improved via early-age carbonation curing with benefits from sequestering the CO2. This study aims to compressively investigate the effectiveness and environmental impact of early carbonation curing on three replacement ratios and three types of treatments of RCSW including sieving, shearing and ball milling with standard curing. In addition to mechanical properties, hydration properties, microstructure characteristics, and carbon sequestration of the treated-RCSW replaced cement paste after different curing methods were investigated and compared. The results showed that, compared to substitution ratios of 30 % and 45 %, cement paste with a 15 % RCSW substitution ratio exhibited higher strength. Furthermore, compared to standard curing, the carbonation curing method effectively improved the early strength and overall performance of the cement paste, with the early strength under carbonation curing at a 15 % RCSW substitution rate being about 89 % higher than that of standard curing. According to economic and environmental calculations, RCSW substitution could effectively reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and the use of carbonised curing methods enabled the cement paste to effectively absorb carbon dioxide.

The current standard of care for anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) is definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT). However, about a third of patients may experience treatment failure. Recently, immunotherapy has emerged as a novel strategy for metastatic ASCC patients. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of surgery, CRT alone, and CRT with immunotherapy (CRT-I) in 100 nonmetastatic ASCC patients, treated from April 2012 through May 2023, by determining survival outcomes and acute adverse events. The median (range) follow-up was 30.7 (7.6 to 134.9) months. The study cohort 3-year overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS) rates were 80.7 %, 62.2 %, 71.1 %, and 67.6 %, respectively. The Surgery group had significantly lower rates than the CRT and CRT-I groups for 3-year PFS (33.1% vs. 65.2% vs. 92.9 %, P < 0.001), DMFS (46.7% vs. 74.6% vs. 92.9 %, P = 0.002) and LRFS (37.0% vs. 73.3% vs. 92.9 %, P < 0.001), respectively. All patients receiving CRT-I were alive at last follow-up. Of 100 patients, 26 (26.0 %) experienced severe (≥ grade 3) acute toxicity. Of 24 patients receiving CRT-I, 8 (33.3 %) had severe acute toxicity. Using immunohistochemistry, peritumoural stromal infiltration by CD8+ T cells was significantly higher after CRT-I compared to before CRT-I and to after CRT alone. The addition of immunotherapy to CRT may be an effective first-line treatment option with favourable survival outcomes and acceptable toxicity for patients with ASCC. A prospective, randomized trial assessing the efficacy of CRT combined with a PD-1 inhibitor in patients with locally advanced ASCC is in progress.

Novel hot pot dipping sauces enriched with pepper seed press cake (PSPC) in five proportions were prepared and evaluated in terms of their physical properties and flavor characteristics. The findings indicated that enriching the sauce increased the content of palmitic and linoleic acids, enhanced storage stability, and improved the rheological behavior and textural properties. The maximum concentration of N-heterocyclic compounds was detected when PSPC was added at 5 g/100 g and 10 g/100 g. A suitable amount of PSPC could improve the mouthfeel and intensify the flavors of umami and saltiness. In comparing sauces with different amounts of PSPC added (0–20 g/100 g), the quality, aroma, and taste were better and overall acceptance was highest when PSPC was added in the range of 5 g/100 g to 10 g/100 g. This study provides a possible application of PSPC for improving the flavor, texture, nutritional quality, and storage stability of hot pot dipping sauce.

Summary: In response to corneal injury, an activation of corneal epithelial stem cells and their direct progeny the early transit amplifying (eTA) cells to rapidly proliferate is critical for proper re-epithelialization. Thus, it is important to understand how such stem/eTA cell activation is regulated. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is predominantly expressed in the stem/eTA-enriched limbal epithelium but its role in the limbal epithelium was unclear. Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) suggested that Ace2 involved the proliferation of the stem/eTA cells. Ace2 was reduced following corneal injury. Such reduction enhanced limbal epithelial proliferation and downregulated LCN2, a negative regulator of proliferation in a variety of tissues, via upregulating TGFA and consequently activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Inhibition of EGFR or overexpression of LCN2 reversed the increased proliferation in limbal epithelial cells lacking ACE2. Our findings demonstrate that after corneal injury, ACE2 is downregulated, which activates limbal epithelial cell proliferation via a TGFA/EGFR/LCN2 pathway.

Summary: Atmospheric water harvesting has emerged as an efficient strategy for addressing the global challenge of freshwater scarcity. However, the in being energy-consuming water-collecting process has obstructed its practicality. In this work, a soft drain bed, which was composed of hydrophilic cloth and hygroscopic gel, has been demonstrated to capture atmospheric water effectively, followed by converting it into liquid water spontaneously and sustainably, under all-weather humidity conditions. Under the optimal working condition of 30°C with a relative humidity level of 75%, the bed can provide a spontaneous water oozing ability of 1.25 g (liquid water)/hour within the 8 h of working time. More importantly, after 5 working cycles, 80% of the oozing ability can be reserved, suggesting the high potential for practical freshwater supply application. The proposed design strategy is expected to provide new hints for the development of future energy-saving decentralized freshwater supply systems.

This study investigated the synergistic potential of an oncolytic herpes simplex virus armed with interleukin 12 (VT1092M) in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors for enhancing antitumor responses. The potential of this combination treatment to induce systemic antitumor immunity was assessed using bilateral subcutaneous tumor and tumor re-challenge mouse models. The antitumor efficacy of various OV and ICI treatment combinations and the underlying mechanisms were explored through diverse analytical techniques, including flow cytometry and RNA sequencing. Using VT1092M, either alone or in combination with an anti-PD-L1 antibody, significantly reduced the sizes of both the injected and untreated abscopal tumors in a bilateral tumor mouse model. The combination therapy demonstrated superior antitumor efficacy to the other treatment conditions tested, which was accompanied by an increase in T cell numbers and CD8+ T cell activation. Results from the survival and tumor re-challenge experiments showed that the combination therapy elicited long-term, tumor-specific immune responses, which were associated with tumor clearance and prolonged survival. Immune cell depletion assays identified CD8+ T cells as the crucial mediators of systemic antitumor immunity during combination therapy. In conclusion, the combination of VT1092M and PD-L1 blockade emerged as a potent inducer of antitumor immune responses, surpassing the efficacy of each monotherapy. This synergistic approach holds promise for achieving robust and sustained antitumor immunity, with potential implications for preventing tumor metastasis in patients with cancer.

ABSTRACT: Dietary energy density influences feed intake (FI) and development of layer-type pullets. A total of 384 nine-wk-old Hy-Line Brown pullets were randomly assigned to one of 3 dietary treatments: fed a diet with 2,600, 2,750, and 2,900 Kcal metabolizable energy/kg (ME/kg) from 10 to 21 wk of age. The results showed that the 2,900 and 2,600 ME groups had lower feed and ME intake (P < 0.01) from 10 to 21 wk of age. The 2,600 ME pullets had heavier body weight (BW) and longer shank length (P < 0.05) at 21 wk of age than the 2,750 ME group. The eggshell percentage was increased by the 2,600 and 2,900 kcal/kg treatments (P = 0.002). Serum concentration of 17-β-estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) decreased at 70 wk of age (P < 0.05). Pullet diet and its interaction with age had a significant influence (P < 0.001) on the expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone 1 (GnRH-1) and gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) in the hypothalamus and of gonadotropin releasing hormone 1 receptor (GnRH-1R) and gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone receptor (GnIHR) in the pituitary. In the hypothalamus, GnRH-1 expression increased from 9 to 40 wk of age and then decreased; however, GnIH expression was highest at 70 wk of age. Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) expression increased (P < 0.001) at wk 40 and decreased at wk 70 compared to wk 21 at various follicular stages. In conclusion, the energy level of pullet diet had no unfavorable influence on feed intake, laying rate, egg mass, and FCR, whereas change egg weight and mortality during the laying period from 21 to 70 wk of age. during the laying period. These results suggest that pullet dietary energy can activate the expression of genes related to reproduction in the hypothalamus, whereas it plays a minor role in the regulation of genes in the pituitary and ovary. Age-induced gene expression in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is associated with laying performance in hens.

Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC), the most prevalent form of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), poses a significant threat to human health due to its rising morbidity and mortality rates. Sunitinib, a pivotal targeted drug for the treatment of ccRCC, presents a significant challenge due to the high susceptibility of ccRCC to resistance. HSP90 inhibitor AUY922 has demonstrated anti-tumor activity in a range of cancer types. However, its efficacy in combination with sunitinib for ccRCC treatment has not been evaluated. In this study, we employed bioinformatics, network pharmacology, and in vitro assays to verify that AUY922 inhibits cell viability, proliferation, and migration of ccRCC cell lines 786-O and ACHN, with IC50s of 91.86 μM for 786-O and 115.5 μM for ACHN. The effect of AUY922 enhancing the inhibitory effect of sunitinib on ccRCC was further confirmed. The CCK-8 assay demonstrated that the IC50 of sunitinib was reduced from 15.10 μM to 11.91 μM for 786-O and from 17.65 μM to 13.66 μM for ACHN, after the combined application of AUY922. The EdU assay and wound healing assay indicated that AUY922 augmented the inhibitory impact of sunitinib on the proliferation and migration of ccRCC cells. Western blot and RT-PCR analyses demonstrated that AUY922 increased the sensitivity of ccRCC cells to sunitinib by targeting the HIF-1α/VEGFA/VEGFR pathway. Our study represents the first investigation into the role and mechanism of AUY922 in enhancing the sensitivity of ccRCC to sunitinib. In conclusion, the findings indicate the potential for AUY922 to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of sunitinib and overcome sunitinib resistance in ccRCC.

Intestinal disease is one of the earliest manifestations of cystic fibrosis (CF) in children and is closely tied to deficits in growth and nutrition, both of which are directly linked to future mortality. Patients are treated aggressively with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy and a high-fat diet to circumvent fat malabsorption, but this does not reverse growth and nutritional defects. We hypothesized that defects in chylomicron production could explain why CF body weights and nutrition are so resistant to clinical treatments. We used gold standard intestinal lipid absorption and metabolism approaches, including mouse mesenteric lymph cannulation, in vivo chylomicron secretion kinetics, transmission electron microscopy, small intestinal organoids, and chylomicron metabolism assays to test this hypothesis. In mice expressing the G542X mutation in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR−/− mice), we find that defective FFA trafficking across the epithelium into enterocytes drives a chylomicron formation defect. Furthermore, G542X mice secrete small, triglyceride-poor chylomicrons into the lymph and blood. These defective chylomicrons are cleared into extraintestinal tissues at ∼10-fold faster than WT chylomicrons. This defect in FFA absorption resulting in dysfunctional chylomicrons cannot be explained by steatorrhea or pancreatic insufficiency and is maintained in primary small intestinal organoids treated with micellar lipids. These studies suggest that the ultrahigh-fat diet that most people with CF are counselled to follow may instead make steatorrhea and malabsorption defects worse by overloading the absorptive capacity of the CF small intestine.

Numerous studies have examined the potential impacts of urban expansion on vegetation growth. However, the impacts of urbanization on vegetation growth (Urbi) across urban-rural gradients and its driving forces remain poorly understood. In this study, we used satellite observations of MODIS Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) from 2001 to 2019 to quantify the spatial–temporal dynamics of indirect urbanization impacts on vegetation growth and analysed their driving forces in 60 prefectural cities across China. The relationship between the Urbi and urban intensity (β) was S-shaped, with a turning point where the indirect impact changed from negative to positive. The left-moving trend of the turning point in the southeastern cities indicated the expansion of areas with positive Urbi during the last two decades. We further investigated the spatially heterogeneous effects of two natural and three anthropogenic driving factors on the Urbi across the urban-rural gradient in different climate zones. The results showed that in temperate cities, as urban intensity increased, the presence of turning points was probably attributed to population increase. In cold cities, the change in the Urbi was most likely induced by the enlarging population and increasing economic level from rural to urban areas. However, in arid cities, it was mainly determined by water supply and the cool island effect in urban cores rather than socioeconomic factors.

Irrigation contributes significantly to boosting crop yield and ensuring food security. However, in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region, unsustainable irrigation practices have led to serious outcomes on freshwater resources. Balancing irrigation with crop productivity in this region, currently facing complex challenge, requires a comprehensive understanding of its spatial pattern and thus to seeking for potential optimization of current crop structures. In this study, we employed the concept of water footprint (WFP) to assess the spatial-temporal patterns of water footprint for maize in BTH region at the county level for the years 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020, untangled the relative impacts on WFP from climate attributes and harvest area structures. Our results showed significant regional heterogeneities in both blue water requirement and green water requirement, ranging from 64.6 mm to 290.7 mm. Yearly anomalies of climate attributes and maize harvest jointly influenced water footprints, with the highest value of 1.06 × 1011 m3 occurring in the year 2015. The green water footprints, linked to precipitation, dominated the total water footprint compared to the blue water footprint associated with irrigation. Additionally, we observed an increasing influence of maize harvest area on the temporal changes in water footprints, with these changes becoming more concentrated in the east-central region over time. Our findings underscore the respective contributions of annual climate attribute changes and harvest area variations at the county level, highlighting regions where urgent interventions are required to enhance the sustainability of water usage for agriculture.

This in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of different non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTP) on shear bond strength (SBS) between yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) and self-adhesive resin cement. In this study, The Y-TZP specimens were divided into 4 groups according to the surface treatment methods as follows: Control (no surface treatment), Sb (Sandblasting), AP(argon NTP), and CP(20 % oxygen and 80 % argon combination NTP). Y-TZP specimens were randomly selected from each group to observe and test the following indexes: scanning electron microscope to observe the surface morphology; atomic force microscope to detect the surface roughness; contact angle detector to detect the surface contact angle; energy spectrometer to analyze the surface elements. Then, resin cement (Rely X–U200) was bonded to human isolated teeth with Y-TZP specimens to measure SBS. The results showed that for the SE test, the NTP group was significantly higher than the control group (p 0.05). This study shows that non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma can improve the shear bond strength of Y-TZP by increasing the surface energy. The addition of oxygen ratio to argon is more favorable to increase the shear bond strength and is worth further investigation.

Multistage flexible heat pipe has been proved to offer advantage of large flexibility as well as low thermal resistance. However, the effects of structural parameters on the comprehensive performances of such multistage thermal control device are still unclear, particularly regarding their mechanical properties. In this paper, effect of structural parameters on the mechanical and thermal performances of bionic multistage heat pipe is investigated. Results show that the stiffness of polymer tubes primarily determines the flexibility of multistage flexible heat pipe. The heat pipe with 4 metal tubes in the adiabatic section can achieve relative large flexibility and maximum bending angle as well as the short start-up time. The bending rigidity of multistage flexible heat pipe increases from 97624.4 N mm2 to 293152.9 N mm2 when its metal ratio raises from 0 % to 80 %. The thermal resistance of multistage flexible heat pipe decreases more than 32.9 % compared to the traditional flexible heat pipe. When the flexible heat pipe remains straight, the heat transfer performance will slightly increase as the shell metal ratio increases. However, its thermal resistance will also have an additional increase when bending. These results can serve as a guide for the design of the multistage flexible thermal control device.

Summary: Resistance to chemotherapies such as temozolomide is a major hurdle to effectively treat therapy-resistant glioblastoma. This challenge arises from the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), which makes it an appealing therapeutic target. However, non-selectively blocking PI3K kinases PI3Kα/β/δ/γ has yielded undesired clinical outcomes. It is, therefore, imperative to investigate individual kinases in glioblastoma’s chemosensitivity. Here, we report that PI3K kinases were unequally expressed in glioblastoma, with levels of PI3Kβ being the highest. Patients deficient of O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) and expressing elevated levels of PI3Kβ, defined as MGMT-deficient/PI3Kβ-high, were less responsive to temozolomide and experienced poor prognosis. Consistently, MGMT-deficient/PI3Kβ-high glioblastoma cells were resistant to temozolomide. Perturbation of PI3Kβ, but not other kinases, sensitized MGMT-deficient/PI3Kβ-high glioblastoma cells or tumors to temozolomide. Moreover, PI3Kβ-selective inhibitors and temozolomide synergistically mitigated the growth of glioblastoma stem cells. Our results have demonstrated an essential role of PI3Kβ in chemoresistance, making PI3Kβ-selective blockade an effective chemosensitizer for glioblastoma.

Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) holds great promise for the separation of single cells or cell populations according to specific light scattering and fluorescent characteristics. Here, we present a new perspective on microfluidic FACS (μFACS) with predictable geometry, which meets the requirements of high-throughput analysis and sorting. Instead of the widely applied elastic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a rigid epoxy resin chip was rapidly fabricated and irreversibly encapsulated to eliminate channel deformation (tenfold reduction) and enhance performance while meeting high pressure (>600 kPa) and high flow rate application scenarios. Fluorescence discrimination and particle differentiation were additionally validated in a self-contained μFACS system using calibration microspheres and mammalian cells. The μFACS chip and system were integrally optimized to achieve a minimum interval (0.58 ms) with a mean flow rate of 1.5 m/s. Ultimately, event recording and automated sorting were accomplished in real time while achieving a sorting efficiency of 87% at cell throughput of 8,000 events/s. This rigid chip for high-throughput μFACS, which is independent of the physical properties of cells could pave the way for cell screening in plasma samples for personalized medicine.

This study is to investigate the effect of SPS on the UC model. An animal model of UC induced by DSS was developed using C57BL/6 mice. The body weight was recorded every day, and the symptoms related to UC were detected. H&E staining, AB-PAS staining and PSR staining were used to evaluate the histopathological changes of the colon. Inflammation and mucosal barrier indicators were detected by qRT-PCR, and the 16 S rRNA sequence was used to detect the intestinal flora. SPS can significantly prevent and treat DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in animals. SPS significantly improved clinical symptoms, alleviated pathological damage, inhibited the infiltration of intestinal inflammatory cells. SPS treatment can protect goblet cells, enhance the expression of tight junction proteins and mucins, inhibit the expression of antimicrobial peptides, thereby improving intestinal barrier integrity. The prevention and treatment mechanism of SPS may be related to the inhibition of STAT3/NF-κB signaling pathway to regulate intestinal barrier function. In particular, SPS also significantly adjusted the structure of intestinal flora, significantly increasing the abundance of Akkermansia and Limosilactobacillus and inhibiting the abundance of Bacteroides. Overall, SPS has a significant therapeutic effect on ulcerative colitis mice, and is expected to play its value effectively in clinical treatment.

Fish mint, Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (HCT) is an edible vegetable that has also been used in traditional folk medicines. As both a medicinal herb and a dietary source, HCT has been clinically proven to be a pivotal ingredient in formulas administered to alleviate COVID-19 symptoms. With the increasing market demand for imported materials, ensuring the quality consistency of HCT becomes a significant concern. In this study, the growing time for hydroponically-cultivated HCT with seaweed extract and amino acids added (HCTW) reduced by half compared to conventional soil-cultivated HCT (HCTS). Key quantified components in HCTW, flavonoid glycosides and caffeoylquinic acid derivatives, exhibited a 143% increase over HCTS. These crucial constituents were responsible for possessing antioxidant activity (IC50

Host-virus interactions can significantly impact the viral life cycle and pathogenesis; however, our understanding of the specific host factors involved in highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus H7N9 (HPAI H7N9) infection is currently restricted. Herein, we designed and synthesized 65 small interfering RNAs targeting host genes potentially associated with various aspects of RNA virus life cycles. Afterward, HPAI H7N9 viruses were isolated and RNA interference was used to screen for host factors likely to be involved in the life cycle of HPAI H7N9. Moreover, the research entailed assessing the associations between host proteins and HPAI H7N9 proteins. Twelve key host proteins were identified: Annexin A (ANXA)2, ANXA5, adaptor related protein complex 2 subunit sigma 1 (AP2S1), adaptor related protein complex 3 subunit sigma 1 (AP3S1), ATP synthase F1 subunit alpha (ATP5A1), COPI coat complex subunit alpha (COP)A, COPG1, heat shock protein family A (Hsp70) member 1A (HSPA)1A, HSPA8, heat shock protein 90 alpha family class A member 1 (HSP90AA1), RAB11B, and RAB18. Co-immunoprecipitation revealed intricate interactions between viral proteins (hemagglutinin, matrix 1 protein, neuraminidase, nucleoprotein, polymerase basic 1, and polymerase basic 2) and these host proteins, presumably playing a crucial role in modulating the life cycle of HPAI H7N9. Notably, ANXA5, AP2S1, AP3S1, ATP5A1, HSP90A1, and RAB18, were identified as novel interactors with HPAI H7N9 proteins rather than other influenza A viruses (IAVs). These findings underscore the significance of host-viral protein interactions in shaping the dynamics of HPAI H7N9 infection, while highlighting subtle variations compared with other IAVs. Deeper understanding of these interactions holds promise to advance disease treatment and prevention strategies.

ABSTRACT: Fasting heat production (FHP) is used to assess the maintenance net energy requirement of animals. Herein, the FHP of layer-type pullets was estimated. In trial 1, 16 40-day-old Jingfen layer-type pullets were divided into 4 groups of 4 chickens and placed in 4 respiratory chambers. Pullets had free access to feed and water. After 4-d acclimatization, feed was withdrawn, and chickens were measured for FHP for 3 consecutive days. In trial 2, twenty-four 40-day-old pullets were placed in 4 respiratory calorimetry chambers, with 6 pullets per chamber. After 4-d acclimatization, one chamber was randomly selected and all pullets in the chamber was sampled at 5, 25, 50, or 65 h after feed withdrawal. The result showed that FHP declined with fasting time and reached the lowest level between 48 and 72 h. Respiratory quotient was decreased (P < 0.05) between 24 and 48 h compared with that in the first 24 h after fasting. The FHP in the light period showed a significant to decline with fasting time (P < 0.01), whereas the FHP in the dark period was decreased (P < 0.01) 24 h after fasting. Body weight, thigh mass, and abdominal fat decreased (P < 0.05) at 25 h after fasting. Serum glucose were increased (P < 0.01) and while triglycerides were significantly decreased (P < 0.01) at 50 h compared with that at 5 and 25 h time point. The result suggests that the adequate measuring period for FHP for layer-type pullets is from 24 to 48 h after fasting. The FHP of 7-wk-old layer-type pullets was 562.20 kJ/kg of BW0.75/d under a 10-h light and 14-h dark lighting regime.

Objectives: To investigate the associations of motor capacity of the lower extremity and mobility performance in daily physical activities with peak foot plantar pressures during walking among older women. Methods: Using the data collected among 58 community-dwelling older women (68.66 ± 3.85 years), Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to analyze the associations of motor capacity of the lower extremity (the 30-s chair stand test, the timed one-leg stance with eyes closed, and the Fugl-Meyer assessment of lower extremity), mobility performance in daily physical activities (the average minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day and the metabolic equivalents), and foot plantar pressures (peak force and peak pressure) with the age and body fat percentage as covariates. Results: (1) The motor capacity of the lower extremity has higher explanatory power for peak foot plantar pressures compared with the mobility performance in daily physical activities. (2) Higher body fat percentage was positively associated with peak force and pressure, while a lower score on the Fugl-Meyer assessment of lower extremity was negatively associated with both of them. (3) The metabolic equivalents were positively associated with the peak force, while the 30-s chair stand test was negatively associated with it. Conclusions: Mobility performance in daily physical activities can be significant predictors for peak foot plantar pressures among older women. The significant predictor variables include the Fugl-Meyer assessment of lower extremity, the 30-s chair stand test, and metabolic equivalents.

The study characterized the aroma-active compounds produced by sesame hulls at three roasting temperatures and analyzed the similarities and differences in the aroma profile of sesame hulls with whole seeds and kernels after roasting. Roasting hulls produced mainly furans, aldehydes, and ketones volatiles. 140 Compounds were identified as aroma-active compounds, including 36 key aroma compounds (odor activity value, OAV ≥ 1). Among them, furanone (caramel-like, OAV = 80), 3-methylbutanal (fruity, OAV = 124), and 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol (burnt, smoky, OAV = 160) gave hulls (180 °C) sweet, burnt, and smoky aroma. Due to the contribution of vanillin (fatty, sweet milk, OAV = 45), 2-hydroxy-3-butanone (caramel-like, roast, OAV = 46), and 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol (OAV = 78), hulls (200 °C) shown strong sweet and roast note. These results identified compounds that contributed significantly to the aroma of sesame hulls and elucidated the contribution of sesame hulls to the flavor of roasted whole seeds and sesame oil.

Object detection on very high resolution (VHR) remote sensing images is a crucial task that has seen remarkable progress in developing deep learning techniques. However, deep learning-based methods rely heavily on the quality and quantity of labeled data. Although few-shot object detection (FSOD) can mitigate this dependency, existing methods still face challenges, including domain shifts between base and novel classes, misclassification due to class similarities, and limited ability to acquire effective information from a few samples. VHR remote sensing images exacerbate these issues due to their greater intra-class diversity and weaker inter-class separability. To address these issues, we propose a new FSOD network, the Adaptive Meta-Knowledge Transfer Network (AMTN). AMTN adaptively transfers meta-knowledge from the source domain to the target domain by effectively obtaining valid information and keeping a stronger discriminative ability towards objects of similar classes in low-shot scenarios. Specifically, considering that VHR remote sensing images’ higher frequency domain resolution provides richer frequency domain information, we employ a Spatial-Frequency Joint Enhancement (SFJE) model to achieve dual enhancement of query image features by fusing information across the spatial and frequency domains. Moreover, we propose the Adaptive Reweighting (AR) loss to enhance the sensitivity of novel class detection in limited sample scenarios. Finally, we propose Sim-Meta loss for discriminability enhancement of similar classes. Our AMTN has demonstrated effectiveness and stability through multiple rounds of experiments on the largescale DIOR dataset while also achieving rapid transfer of meta-knowledge.

This study developed a novel and green method to produce fragrant sesame oil using microwaves and subcritical extraction (SBE). Sesame seeds were microwaved at 540 W for 0–9 min before subcritical propane extraction at 40 °C and 0.5 MPa. SBE caused less deformation to the cellular microstructure of sesame cotyledons while dramatically improving oil yield (96.7–97.1 %) compared to screw processing (SP) (53.1–58.6 %). SBE improved extraction rates for γ-tocopherol (381.1–454.9 μg/g) and sesame lignans (917.9–970.4 mg/100 g) in sesame oil compared to SP (360.1–443.8 μg/g and 872.8–916.8 mg/100 g, respectively). Microwaves generated aroma-active heterocyclics and phenolics faster than hot-air roasting in sesame oil with a better sensory profile. SBE had a higher extraction rate for aroma-active terpenes, alcohols, and esters while reducing the concentrations of carcinogenic PAHs and HCAs in sesame oil. The novel combination process of microwaves and subcritical extraction is promising in producing fragrant sesame oil with superior qualities.

Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among older adults. We aimed to evaluate sleep heath during COVID-19 pandemic and assess the differences among geographical regions and pandemic periods. We searched three databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science) to find articles up to March 12, 2023. We included observational studies that reported the prevalence of sleep disturbances among adults aged 60 years or older in any setting. Two researchers independently reviewed the literature and retrieved the data. We used Der Simonian-Laird random effects meta-analyses to pool the data, followed by subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and meta-regression. A total of 64 studies with 181,224 older adults during the pandemic were included. The prevalence of poor sleep quality, short sleep duration, long sleep duration, and insomnia symptoms were 47.12% (95% CI: 25.97%, 68.27%), 40.81% (95% CI: 18.49%, 63.12%), 31.61% (95% CI: 24.83%, 38.38%), and 21.15% (95% CI: 15.30%, 27.00%), respectively. The prevalence of sleep problems reported by self-constructed items was 26.97% (95% CI: 20.73%, 33.22%). When compared to America (64.13%), Europe (20.23%) and the Western Pacific (21.31%) showed a lower prevalence of sleep problems (all P

In order to predict the lifetime of InP Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor (HBT) devices and related circuits in the space radiation environment, a novel model including gamma radiation effects is proposed in this paper. Based on the analysis of radiation-induced device degradation effects including both DC and AC characteristics, a set of empirical expressions describing the device degradation trend are presented and incorporated into the Keysight model. To validate the effective of the proposed model, a series of radiation experiments are performed. The correctness of the novel model is validated by comparing experimental and simulated results before and after radiation.

Selective laser melting (SLM) technology has broad prospects for developing magnesium alloys in structural and biomedical applications. The effects of T4 heat treatment on microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of as-built AZ91D alloy were investigated. The results showed that after T4 treatment, β-Mg17Al12 phases distributed around the matrix changed from networks to diffuse dots and then disappeared at 420 °C for 1 h. The tensile strength and hardness of AZ91D alloy decreased after T4 treatment. In addition, electrochemical and immersion experiments showed that the corrosion resistance was greatly improved after solution. Compared with the as-built AZ91D alloy, the solution-treat sample exhibited higher corrosion resistance in Hanks' solution, and its corrosion current density was reduced by 70%, hydrogen evolution rate by 57%, and corrosion rate by about 78% in the weightless experiment. In this study, after solution-treat, the corrosion resistance of as-built AZ91D can be significantly improved while meeting the mechanical requirement of degradable alloys, and has great potential for biomedical applications.

Sensor errors, model uncertainty, changes in the surrounding environment, data loss, or malicious network attacks can all result in outliers, which can pollute the measurement process of the distribution system. In this study, to address this problem, a dynamic state estimation method for distribution systems based on innovation-saturated Koopman Kalman filter (IS-KKF) was proposed. The Koopman Kalman filter (KKF) is model-free and data-driven, and estimates nonlinear dynamics through the conventional linear Kalman filter. To make the Koopman Kalman filter robust to measurement outliers, the innovation saturation mechanism applies a saturation function to it. To correct the state estimation, this mechanism is applied to the filtering process. When outliers occur, the distorted innovation is saturated to prevent the state estimation results from being destroyed. Adaptive adjustment of the saturated boundary is a feature of this mechanism. Extensive simulations were carried out on the IEEE 118-bus test system to verify the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively reject outliers with different amplitudes, types, and continuous times, has significant computational efficiency, and does not require additional measurement redundancy.

Salt marsh plants play a vital role in mediating nitrogen (N) biogeochemical cycle in estuarine and coastal ecosystems. However, the effects of invasive Spartina alterniflora on N fixation and removal, as well as how these two processes balance to determine the N budget, remain unclear. Here, simultaneous quantifications of N fixation and removal via 15N tracing experiment with native Phragmites australis, invasive S. alterniflora, and bare flats as well as corresponding functional gene abundance by qPCR were carried out to explore the response of N dynamics to S. alterniflora invasion. Our results showed that N fixation and removal rates ranged from 0.77 ± 0.08 to 16.12 ± 1.13 nmol/(g·h) and from 1.42 ± 0.14 to 16.35 ± 1.10 nmol/(g·h), respectively, and invasive S. alterniflora generally facilitated the two processes rates. Based on the difference between N removal and fixation rates, net N2 fluxes were estimated in the range of −0.39 ± 0.14 to 8.24 ± 2.23 nmol/(g·h). Estimated net N2 fluxes in S. alterniflora stands were lower than those in bare flats and P. australis stands, indicating that the increase in N removal caused by S. alterniflora invasion may be more than offset by N fixation process. Random forest analysis revealed that functional microorganisms were the most important factor associated with the corresponding N transformation process. Overall, our results highlight the importance of N fixation in evaluating N budget of estuarine and coastal wetlands, providing valuable insights into the ecological effect of S. alterniflora invasion.

The AlCoCrFeNi high entropy alloy bond coating was prepared by atmospheric plasma spray. The growth process and failure behavior of the thermally grown oxide (TGO) layer during the oxidation of the AlCoCrFeNi bond coating at 900–1000 °C were investigated. Results show that the AlCoCrFeNi bond coating generates a protective TGO layer composed of Al2O3 at 900–1000 °C, which effectively reduces the oxidation rate of the coating. The oxidation kinetic curves of the AlCoCrFeNi coating at 900–1000 °C exhibited a parabolic pattern. Until 50h oxidation, the TGO layer at 900 °C remained complete. In contrast, the TGO layer exfoliated at 1000 °C, associated with the thermal mismatch stress between the TGO layer and the AlCoCrFeNi coating. The growth of the TGO layer is primarily controlled by the outward diffusion of Al ions, which causes the generation of Al ion vacancies within the coating, consequently developing into visible pores. The presence of pores exacerbates the possibility of TGO layer exfoliation. The control of the outward diffusion process of Al ions, which can reduce the growth rate of the TGO layer and the amount of pores in the coating, is an important idea to improve the oxidation resistance of AlCoCrFeNi coating.

Objectives: Patients underwent pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). This study aimed to investigate the effect of thrombus distribution on the occurrence of severe reperfusion pulmonary edema (RPE) and identify specific parameters for predicting severe RPE. Methods: Patients with CTEPH who underwent PEA surgery were retrospectively analyzed. The thrombus in pulmonary arteries were evaluated through computed tomography pulmonary angiography. Based on presence of prolonged artificial ventilation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation required, or perioperative death due to RPE, the patients were divided into the severe RPE and without severe RPE groups. Main results: Among the 77 patients (29 women), 16 (20.8%) patients developed severe RPE. The right major pulmonary artery (RPA) (0.64[0.58, 0.73] vs 0.58[0.49, 0.64]; p = 0.008) and pulmonary artery trunk (PAT) thrombus ratios (0.48[0.44, 0.61] vs 0.42[0.39, 0.50]; p = 0.009) (the PAT ratio is expressed as the sum of the right middle lobe clot burden and right lower lobe clot burden divided by the total clot burden multiplied by 100) of the severe RPE group was significantly higher than that of the without severe RPE group. Receiver operator characteristics curve identified a PAT ratio of 43.4% as the threshold with areas under the curve = 0.71(95%CI 0.582; 0.841) for the development of severe RPE (sensitivity 0.875, specificity 0.541). The logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age, period from symptom onset to PEA, NT-pro BNP, preoperative mPAP, preoperative PVR, RPA ratio, and PAT ratio were associated with the development of severe RPE. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed PAT ratio (odds ratio = 10.2; 95% confidence interval 1.87, 55.53, P = 0.007) and period from symptom onset to PEA (OR = 1.01; 95% CI = 1.00–1.02, P = 0.015) as independent risk factors for the development of severe RPE. Conclusions: The thrombus distribution could be a key factor in the severity of RPE. PAT ratio and medical history could predict the development of severe RPE.

Background: High-power short-duration (HPSD) and cryoballoon ablation (CBA) has been used for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Objective: We aimed to compare the efficacy of PVI between CBA and HPSD ablation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 251 consecutive PAF patients from January 2018 to July 2020. Of them, 124 patients (mean age 57.2 ± 10.1 year) received HPSD and 127 patients (mean age 59.6 ± 9.4 year) received CBA. In HPSD group, the radiofrequency energy was set as 50 W/10 s at anterior wall and 40 W/10 s at posterior wall. In CBA group, 28 mm s generation cryoballoon was used for PVI according the guidelines. Results: There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between these 2 groups. The time to achieve PVI was significantly shorter in cryoballoon ablation group than in HPSD group (20.6 ± 1.7 min vs 51.8 ± 36.3, P = 0.001). The 6-month overall recurrence for atrial tachyarrhythmias was not significantly different between the two groups (HPSD:14.50% vs CBA:11.0%, P = 0.40). There were different types of recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmia between these 2 groups. Recurrence as atrial flutter was significantly more common in CBA group compared to HPSD group (57.1% vs 12.5%, P = 0.04). Conclusion: In PAF patients, CBA and HPSD had a favourable and comparable outcome. The recurrence pattern was different between CBA and HPSD groups.

Introduction: Reduced-dose (Low-dose [LD]) apixaban is recommended in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who fulfill 2 of 3 criteria: age ≥ 80 years, body weight ≤ 60 kg, and a serum creatinine (sCr) ≥ 1.5 mg/dl. However, the suitable (appropriate) dose for Asian patients who have a sCr

ABSTRACT: In late 2020, an outbreak of Tembusu virus (TMUV)-associated disease occurred in a 45-day-old white Roman geese flock in Taiwan. Here, we present the identification and isolation of a novel goose-origin TMUV strain designated as NTU/C225/2020. The virus was successfully isolated using minimal-pathogen-free duck embryos. Phylogenetic analysis of the polyprotein gene showed that NTU/C225/2020 clustered together with the earliest isolates from Malaysia and was most closely related to the first Taiwanese TMUV strain, TP1906. Genomic analysis revealed significant amino acid variations among TMUV isolates in NS1 and NS2A protein regions. In the present study, we characterized the NTU/C225/2020 culture in duck embryos, chicken embryos, primary duck embryonated fibroblasts, and DF-1 cells. All host systems were susceptible to NTU/C225/2020 infection, with observable lesions. In addition, animal experiments showed that the intramuscular inoculation of NTU/C225/2020 resulted in growth retardation and hyperthermia in day-old chicks. Gross lesions in the infected chicks included hepatomegaly, hyperemic thymus, and splenomegaly. Viral loads and histopathological damage were displayed in various tissues of both inoculated and naïve co-housed chicks, confirming the direct chick-to-chick contact transmission of TMUV. This is the first in vivo study of a local TMUV strain in Taiwan. Our findings provide essential information for TMUV propagation and suggest a potential risk of disease outbreak in chicken populations.

Lutein (Lut) and zeaxanthin (Zx) are promising healthy food ingredients; however, the low solubilities, stabilities, and bioavailabilities limit their applications in the food and beverage industries. A protein-based complex represents an efficient protective carrier for hydrophobic ligands, and its ligand-binding properties are influenced by the formulation conditions, particularly the pH level. This study explored the effects of various pH values (2.5–9.5) on the characteristics of whey protein isolate (WPI)–Lut/Zx complexes using multiple spectroscopic techniques, including ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis), fluorescence, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies and dynamic light scattering (DLS). UV–Vis and DLS spectra revealed that Lut/Zx were present as H-aggregates in aqueous solutions, whereas WPI occurred as nanoparticles. The produced WPI–Lut/Zx complexes exhibited binding constants of 104–105 M−1, which gradually increased with increasing pH from 2.5 to 9.5. FTIR spectra demonstrated that pH variations and Lut/Zx addition caused detectable changes in the secondary WPI structure. Moreover, the WPI–Lut/Zx complexes effectively improved the physicochemical stabilities and antioxidant activities of Lut/Zx aggregates during long-term storage and achieved bioaccessibilities above 70% in a simulated gastrointestinal digestion process. The comprehensive data obtained in this study offer a basis for formulating strategies that can be potentially used in developing commercially available WPI complex-based xanthophyll-rich foods.

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite shows great application prospects in the field of luminescent material due to relatively high chemical stability and regulation of efficient luminescence performance. Here, a series of organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites (R-XPMA)2PbCl4 (R = 2,3,4 substituted, PMA = benzylamine, X = Cl, Br) were prepared. Through the change from the molecular level two-dimensional perovskite “thickness”, as well as the preparation of heterojunction composites, tunning of the optical properties of the perovskite was achieved. The experimental results show that the shift of the fluorescence emission was related to the species and positions of halogen atoms to a certain degree, providing new insight into the optical properties regulation of layered perovskite materials.